Severe allergic reactions to wasp stings are referred to as “anaphylaxis.” Only about three percent of the general population is allergic to wasps, bees, hornets, and other stinging insects.
Anaphylaxis occurs when your body goes into shock in response to the wasp venom. Most people who go into shock after a wasp sting do so very quickly.
It is important to seek immediate emergency care to treat anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to wasp stings include:
severe swelling of the face, lips, or throat
hives or itching in areas of the body not affected by the sting
breathing difficulties, such as wheezing
dizziness
sudden drop in blood pressure
lightheadedness
loss of consciousness
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
stomach cramps
weak or racing pulse
You may not experience all of these symptoms after a wasp sting, but you are likely to experience at least some of them after a subsequent sting. The Mayo Clinic explains that people who have gone into anaphylactic shock after one sting are 30 to 60 percent more likely to show the same reaction in the future (Mayo Clinic, 2010).
Many people who have a history of anaphylaxis carry a kit in the event of a wasp sting. Bee sting kits contain epinephrine injections (Epi-Pens) that you can give yourself after a wasp sting. Epinephrine relaxes your muscles and blood vessels, helping your heart and respiration rates return to normal.